Bonsai care is a meditative and rewarding process, one which can be easy even for beginners. Through bonsai care, you will enjoy an appreciation for nature and humanity’s ability to skillfully produce even more amazing artistry.
In the beginning of your bonsai journey you will probably have a lot of questions about how to care for your bonsai. If you take some time to study the fundamentals while starting out with your first bonsai tree you will see your knowledge and skills as a bonsai gardener grow along with your trees.
Bonsai Care: Starting Out
As with any garden, the basic elements that your bonsai plant will need to thrive are the right soil, the appropriate amount of light, and the right amount of water.
However, bonsai care involves fulfilling certain needs that ordinary plants don’t have. For instance, did you know that most bonsai trees are bred to be outdoor plants like their full-sized counterparts? If you bring a sun-loving bonsai inside, be prepared to give it 12-16 hours a day of fluorescent light. There are, however, some bonsai plants that do not need that much light, and these may be the ideal species if you want to practice bonsai care indoors.
To use the right soil for your tree is an important part of bonsai care. Since your bonsai will grow in a shallow pot which means that the roots will spread out shallowly and slow down your tree’s growth. On the other hand, if your tree was growing in the “wild” it would grow tall due to the root systems deep growth into the earth. Forcing the roots to live in a shallow container is one of the fundamentals to why your bonsai will stay small. This also means that regular potting soil is usually too dense and collects too much water which will slowly make the roots waterlogged, causing the roots to rot and later, the tree to die.
Bonsai soil is usually a mix of sand, loam, and organic leaf mold or peat moss. The climate you live in determines what exact soil to use. I suggest to ask your local nursery, bonsai shop or local bonsai enthusiast what soil is the right one for your tree.
Water and food
Of course, the one question all beginner bonsai gardeners have is “when should I water my bonsai?” The answer to this important bonsai care question depends upon what kind of bonsai you have, how humid or dry the air is around your bonsai, what time of the year it is, and other variables.
The balance in proper bonsai care is between too much and too little. It can be a bit tricky. Also make sure if you use tap water, that it is room temperature and also let it sit overnight to get rid of chemicals such as chlorine
First, wet the soil. That will make it easier for your bonsai to take in more water. After that, water generously until water comes out through the drainage holes. It is important that all the soil gets wet. It is preferred to water your plant in the morning before the daily photosynthesis cycle starts. If you live in a dry climate you can also mist your bonsai daily to retain its humidity levels.
The fertilizer used for most bonsai is a so called balanced fertilizer, which means equal part potassium, nitrogen and phosphorous. You can use this fertilizer every second week or so, but remember to water your plant generously first otherwise it might go into shock and die. Don’t fertilize a sick or dry tree either for the same reason.
With the right amount of water and light, along with appropriate soil and fertilizer, you are well on your way to growing a beautiful bonsai collection. Bonsai care does not have to be difficult, as long as you remember to meet the fundamental needs your beautiful bonsai plant has.
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